Algeria: June 6, 2003

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 Giving in to European demands that no military action be taken, the government is allowing European governments to negotiate a ransom for the release of the ten Europeans still being held by Islamic radicals near the Libyan border. But many Algerian officials don't want to do this, as it will destroy the tourist industry in the south. If ransom is paid, other bandits and Islamic radicals in the area will see kidnapping foreigners as a quick way to riches. Just the threat of that will scare the tourists off.